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Published on: November 8, 2024
Emerging Technologies for Assisted Fracture Reduction: A Systematic Review
J Forssling1, P Andreasen1, T R Savarimuthu1
1Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, SDU Robotics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230, Odense, Denmark.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|July 18, 2026
Summary
Emerging technologies like 3D printing and robot-assisted fracture reduction (RAFR) show promise in improving surgical outcomes. These tools can reduce operative time, blood loss, and radiation exposure, though further clinical validation is needed.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Medical technology innovation
- Surgical outcomes research
Background:
- Bone fractures are a significant global health issue, with suboptimal reduction impacting patient outcomes and increasing reoperation rates.
- Current surgical tools face limitations in achieving precise fracture reduction.
- Emerging technologies are being developed to enhance surgical precision and improve fracture treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review emerging technologies aimed at assisting fracture reduction.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of 3D printing, robot-assisted fracture reduction, and computer-assisted technologies in orthopedic surgery.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (January 2016 - October 2025).
- Studies focusing on pre- or intraoperative technologies for fracture reduction were included, categorized into 3D printing, Robot-Assisted Fracture Reduction (RAFR), and computer-assisted domains.
- Key outcomes assessed included operative time, blood loss, radiation exposure, reduction quality, and functional recovery.
Main Results:
- 3D printing, particularly anatomical models and surgical guides, demonstrated significant reductions in operative time (16-50%) and blood loss (15-75%).
- Robot-Assisted Fracture Reduction (RAFR) systems, especially navigation-focused ones, showed decreased radiation exposure (20-60%) and enhanced surgical precision.
- Computer-assisted technologies are nascent, with limited current clinical validation.
Conclusions:
- Technology-assisted solutions offer tangible benefits for fracture reduction, with 3D-printed guides and navigation-based RAFR systems showing strong preliminary clinical support.
- Significant challenges persist, including workflow integration, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory hurdles.
- Future research must prioritize clinical validation and usability to accelerate the adoption of these advanced surgical technologies.
